You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during hot days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists so you can select the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Huntingburg.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your AC expenses will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try running an experiment for about a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your house is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a bigger electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you need a convenient resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise running an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly lowering it to choose the right temp for your family. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the air conditioner.
More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra approaches you can spend less money on utility bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping cooling expenses down.
- Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and might help it run at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps techs to pinpoint small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Dearing's Service & Solutions
If you want to save more energy this summer, our Dearing's Service & Solutions experts can assist you. Reach us at 812-200-5844 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.